Bright, cheerful, and essential for pollinators, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a classic North American native wildflower known for its golden-yellow petals and dark brown center. This fast-growing, easy-to-care-for species blooms from late spring through fall, bringing long-lasting color and life to gardens, meadows, roadsides, and restoration areas.
Highly attractive to native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, Black-Eyed Susan is an important nectar source and a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any native or pollinator garden. Its drought tolerance and adaptability make it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Rudbeckia hirta serves as a larval host plant for several native moths and butterflies, including:
•Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia) – in parts of the Southeast
•Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) – in northern parts of its range
•Several specialist moth species (especially in the Aster family)
This alone makes it ecologically important for native food webs.
It’s ALSO an important nectar source for:
•Native bees
•Butterflies
•Beneficial insects
•Later, the seed feeds birds
It plays multiple roles in the ecosystem.
Plant Details
•Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
•Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan
•Life Cycle: Annual to short-lived perennial
•Height: 1–3 feet
•Bloom Color: Yellow petals with dark brown center
•Bloom Season: Late spring through fall
•Sun: Full sun
•Water: Low to moderate once established
•Soil: Well-drained, adaptable
•Native Range: Most of North America, including Florida
Growing Tips
Sow seeds directly on the soil surface and lightly press into the ground, do not cover heavily, as light helps with germination. Keep soil slightly moist until established. Ideal for wildflower gardens, native landscapes, meadow plantings, and educational gardens
Contents:
Pure, untreated seeds, free from fillers
All proceeds go directly toward growing Florida Native Plants to restore habitat and protect the wildlife that depends on them.
Native Wildflower Seed Packet - Blackeyed-Susan, Rudbeckia hirta
Coverage
1.5g covers 30-40 sqft
3.5g covers 70-90 sqft
1/2oz covers 250-400 sqft
1oz covers 500-800 sqft
Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Full - Part Sun
Soil: Adapts to a variety of well drained soils
Moisture: Average - Moist
Life Cycle: Annual to short-lived perennial
Wildlife: Butterflies, Bees, Song birds consume seeds
Height: 1-3’ tall
Spacing: 6-12” apart
Range: Zones 8-11
Sowing: Cold moist stratification of 30-60 days improves germination
Planting Instructions
Starting wildflower seeds successfully depends on creating a well-prepared, weed-free planting area. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot, then clear turf (solarizing is a natural, effective option) or firm bare soil to ensure excellent seed-to-soil contact. Sow seeds at the right time, generally mid-September through mid-January depending on your region.
For even coverage, mix 1 part seed with 5–10 parts inert materials; sand, sawdust, or vermiculite. In the prepared area, broadcast the seed mixture. Press seeds gently into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Surface sow only, do not bury. Water gently after sowing.
With proper preparation and timing, you’ll give your wildflower seeds the best chance to flourish.
Visit the Florida Wildflower Foundation for more information.
Packaging
The package is 100% compostable, resealable, and heat-sealed to protect seed quality and longevity.
Made from Kraft paper and a plant-based lining, we chose this packaging to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Once opened, reseal and store in a cool, dry place. When finished, return it to the earth.
